Educational Materials & Marketing Services Extension 4-H Youth Bldg. Ames, Iowa 50011-3630 (515) 294-9915

Note to Media: This is an update of a news release sent on Dec. 31, 2003. More complete program information and viewing information is included.

1/5/04

Contacts:
Elaine Edwards, Educational Materials and Marketing Services, (515) 294-5168, eedwards@iastate.edu
Rachel E. Martin, Communications, Iowa Beef Center, (515) 294-9124, remartin@iastate.edu
John D. Lawrence, Director, Iowa Beef Center, (515) 294-9124, jdlaw@iastate.edu

January 7 Satellite Broadcast To Address BSE Concerns

AMES, Iowa -- The current BSE crisis is impacting Iowa beef producers, and prompting questions from Iowa consumers about the safety of their beef. As a result, the Iowa Beef Center and Cooperative Extension at Iowa State University is offering a satellite broadcast presentation regarding BSE (also known as mad cow disease) on Wednesday, Jan. 7, from 1-3 p.m. CST.

The program will be broadcast on RFD-TV and also downlinked at more than 60 Iowa State University Extension county offices. To find a downlink site near you, visit the Iowa Beef Center Web site at http://www.iowabeefcenter.org to view a list of the counties offering the broadcast. RFD-TV is available direct to consumers via DISH Network (9409), DIRECTV (379), Mediacom and NCTC cable systems. RFD-TV will repeat this program on Wednesday, Jan. 7, from 9 to 11 p.m.; Thursday, Jan. 8 from 5 to 7 p.m.; and again on Saturday, Jan. 10, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. (all CST).

The objective of the broadcast is to provide producers and others with an update on all facets of the beef industry as well as address consumer concerns. The agenda will include the following topics:

* Review of TSEs, BSE and the food supply, presented by Nolan Hartwig, extension veterinarian
* The BSE investigation to date and new USDA regulations, presented by Steve Finch, area emergency coordinator for APHIS, U.S. Department of Agriculture veterinarian
* Cow culling strategies, presented by Leo Timms, extension dairy specialist
* Dead animal disposal and composting, presented by Tom Glanville, extension agricultural and biosystems engineer
* Feed ban update and strategies, presented by Dan Loy, extension beef specialist
* Market strategies and factors to watch, presented by John Lawrence, extension economist and director of the Iowa Beef Center

The broadcast will close with a panel discussion, when producers and consumers may call their questions to (515) 294-4911 or (515) 294-5261 and fax questions to (515) 294-7767 to be addressed by the panel.

A part of Iowa State University Extension, the Iowa Beef Center (IBC) is the central access point for Iowa State University programs related to the beef industry. For more information about the IBC, visit the Web site at www.iowabeefcenter.org or call (515) 294-BEEF. Additional information on BSE is posted on the ISU Extension Web site at http://www.extension.iastate.edu.

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